"Chinese trace" on the front: coincidence, signal or prototype of a new scenario?

The war in eastern Ukraine appears to have taken on a new shadow: Ukrainian authorities say more than 150 Chinese citizens who fought on Russia's side have been detained in Donetsk. The Guardian

Reactions from different sides

• Kyiv stated that this is not the first case of the presence of foreigners in various formations on the Russian side, but the direct participation of Chinese citizens is a completely different level.

• Zelensky said the US was "very surprised" by the incident, and he believed Beijing knew where its citizens were heading.

• The Guardian : Beijing has denied any connection with the volunteers and called the allegations unsubstantiated.

Why is this important?

• China had previously declared neutrality in the war, but it turns out that formal non-participation does not mean lack of influence.

• The case of the detained Chinese citizens is troubling not only as a fact, but as a precedent: it may soon turn out that the war is no longer two-sided.

Potential consequences

• If China's involvement is proven, it could provide a strong argument for supporting NATO's peacekeeping mission.

• The US has not yet taken an open position, but there are already calls in Congress for an additional response.

What do analysts say?

• Bloomberg: “China is providing Russia with significant quantities of components for making cruise missiles and drones, as well as optical parts for tanks and armored vehicles, allowing Moscow to ramp up weapons production in the war against Ukraine.”

• The Guardian : "If confirmed links between Beijing and the conflicting parties emerge, it would be a watershed in the perception of China as a global neutral."

An incredible event on the Donbass front line has reinforced fears that there are more than two sides to the war. It is becoming possible that we still do not fully understand the conflict that surrounds us.

Let us recall that this is not the first time that the participation of citizens of third countries has been recorded at the front: In early February, according to South Korean intelligence, the DPRK sent reinforcements to the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, where North Korean forces had previously suffered heavy losses.